China's Nio on Sunday said it would launch its new Firefly electric vehicle brand in Europe early in the first half of 2025, betting that it would help the company overcome European Union tariffs.

Nio also unveiled a second sub-brand, Firefly, aimed at more budget-conscious drivers. Its only model in China, installed with nine airbags, will go up against BMW’s Mini or Mercedes’ Smart, with a pre-sale price starting from RMB148,800.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio launched a new small car under its Firefly brand that seeks to compete with BMW’s Mini and Smart of Mercedes-Benz, an advancement in its drive into international markets.

Nio unveiled a lower-cost brand named Firefly on Saturday that it touted as a rival to Mercedes' Smart and BMW's Mini in the Chinese electric vehicle maker's latest bid to broaden its customer base and boost sales.

GUANGZHOU: Nio has unveiled a lower-cost brand named Firefly that it has touted as a rival to Mercedes’ Smart and BMW’s Mini in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker’s latest bid to broaden its customer base and boost sales.

Chinas Nio is preparing to launch its Firefly EV in Europe by early 2025, aiming to rival Mini and Smart. As the company expands its presence, its also addressing tariff challenges with innovative battery-swapping

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) marker Nio on Sunday announced plans to launch its Firefly cars in Europe in the first half of 2025. William Li, CEO of Nio, said the company will work with local partners on the sale and service of Firefly in European markets.